BY JAMES CARTER

Newcastle City Council has enacted a late motion allowing the Hamilton Community Pantry to continue after officers threatened to remove the service.

At Monday nights meeting, Council adopted the item saying they will continue to support the “appropriate, safe and clean provision of items and services that are needed like the Hamilton Community Pantry” and will work with Food Not Bombs and other organisations.

The motion comes after the Hamilton Community Pantry was slated for removal by the council on June 16, due to reports of antisocial behaviour in the area. 

City of Newcastle staff and police attended the community pantry later in the week and provided a list of resources for vulnerable people in the area to access. 

A petition was launched to save the community pantry and has garnered over 5000 signatures. 

A community event to show support for the pantry was scheduled for Wednesday but was scaled back due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

The community-run pantry located at Hamilton train station provides those experiencing homelessness with clothing, food and blankets. 

Community members can leave goods in the pantry which consists of several lockers and cupboards. 

Photo: Food Not Bombs Newcastle